I'm sure I'm not only the one who wonders who will save humanity or the planet if humanity cannot save itself. Perhaps the answer can be found here inI'm sure I'm not only the one who wonders who will save humanity or the planet if humanity cannot save itself. Perhaps the answer can be found here in an unlikely form. Then again, perhaps not. Maybe humanity is beyond saving and will only destroy the world once again, given the chance. In this luminous and enlightening wordless picture book, loosely inspired by the classic Biblical Noah's ark story, the earth has flooded, and cities are almost completely drowned. There are no humans to be found, but there are still animals seeking shelter atop buildings and on higher ground. NOA, a large robot responsible for building seawalls to protect the city, stumbles upon several animals left behind in a zoo. Readers can measure his size by comparing it to the tigers and elephants he feeds since they look like toys compared to NOA. As the waters continue to rise and another storm approaches, he constructs a large vessel and boards as many animals as he possibly can. The sea bounds the boat relentlessly as shown in one moving double-page spread, but the ship crashes into a small island. The rescued animals are safe, but not for long, given the size of the island. From out of the sky comes rescue in the form of another robot with a hot air balloon. Together, they help the animals climb into the basket and fly off to a much larger island where the animals can find food and shelter. As always with this author/illustrator, readers must read between the lines or pages, in this case, and even take in the endpapers in order to understand what's happened. The illustrations, created with watercolor, pen, and ink, fill each page with intricate images and an atmospheric, futuristic setting that just might be closer than we think. Those that doubt that a machine or a robot could have a heart or experience emotions may change their minds after reading this story. The importance of caring about others and helping them, a concept stated clearly in the book's epigram from Jane Goodall, is explored on each page. ...more
Sixth-graders April and Zee, who live right across the hall in the same apartment building, have been best friends all of their lives. Both love musicSixth-graders April and Zee, who live right across the hall in the same apartment building, have been best friends all of their lives. Both love music, and Zee, a talented violinist, is now attending a special school where he can hone his craft. April, who aspires to be a drummer, has only had lessons in fits and starts and never dedicated herself to learning how to play well. As April moves through the new school without her constant companion, she notices signs that something isn't right with Zee. But he persuades her to say nothing to his father. She keeps his secret but feels guilty after a tragedy occurs. The changes in her life--with Zee gone and her mother involved with Robin, her new love interest, April feels unsettled and unwilling to give Robin a chance--or anyone else, for that matter. Still, when she notices signs that something is terribly wrong with Asa, one of her classmates, and has her suspicions confirms, she is determined to take action this time. This novel in verse is engaging, and readers will care deeply about its characters while hoping that they can make their way to the other side of the grief process. April herself is an interesting character, but I wondered what her deal was about not having taken drumming seriously previously. I would have liked for that part of the story to be developed more since she seemed all in once she found the right teacher. But wasn't he there all along?...more
Fans of this series couldn't have asked for a better finale than what the author provides in this third book featuring Merci Suarez. As an eighth gradFans of this series couldn't have asked for a better finale than what the author provides in this third book featuring Merci Suarez. As an eighth grader, she is growing up, dealing with changes both at school and at home. The scenarios she faces are relatable and described perfectly so that readers feel as though they are right there with Merci as faces an almost unbearable but mostly expected loss, notes shifting family dynamics which require her to figure out where she fits in, and is confused by the unexpected attention from a classmate and soccer teammate who has ignored her previously. And then there's the always confusing and often infuriating Edna Santos. Can she be counted on as a friend? Meg Medina writes from the heart here, and it shows. It's almost as though she is Merci Suarez of knew someone like her intimately. Readers will be just as invested in Merci in this book as they were in Merci Suarez Changes Gears. This one is probably my favorite out of all three, and I was sad to see Merci's story come to an end. ...more
While this YA book covers several important topics, including the broken justice system, families dealing with incarcerated family members both while While this YA book covers several important topics, including the broken justice system, families dealing with incarcerated family members both while they are in prison and after they are released, the death penalty, and interracial relationships, among others, the writing could be stronger, some of the secondary characters developed more, and the conclusion stronger. Covering similar territory as Dear Martin, The Hate U Give, When You Look Like Us, and When They See Us, all of which are more literary, the book will have high teen appeal as it features a relatable protagonist in Tracy Beaumont and scenarios regarding the police with which some will be familiar. An aspiring journalist, Tracy has been writing weekly letters to the Innocence Project for seven years, the amount of time her father has been incarcerated and on Death Row for murder in Texas. While she waits for a response, she leads workshops familiarizing community members with their rights and how to behave when dealing with law enforcement. As her father runs out of time before executed, her track star brother, Jamal, is also accused of murder. Tracy's dogged determination and refusal to remain silent and let things take their course is admirable, and most readers will wish they had someone like her by their side. But some parts of the story are rather murky and improbable, and Angela, the victim, appears so briefly that it's hard to care about her fate, much less know much about her. Maybe that's okay since this isn't her story, but it detracts from the fullness of the narrative. Nevertheless, even with these possible flaws, the book raises important questions and will prompt deep conversations. ...more
Although this debut novel raises questions that aren't really answered, maybe that's the point. There is no hard and fast response to how to fill the Although this debut novel raises questions that aren't really answered, maybe that's the point. There is no hard and fast response to how to fill the hole or the void that so many of us experience, whether that be the characters in this novel or those of us reading the book. Some of us try to fill our emptiness with work, food, drugs, booze, relationships, wealth, even faith. But still there often seems to be an ache or a wish for more or something different, perhaps more meaningful than whatever is in our lives presently. Is it possible that there is more meaning in death than life? The book's twenty-seven-year-old protagonist, Cyrus Shams, is lost and searching for something. Born in Iran, he has completed a lackluster college career, dabbles in writing poetry, and dreams of writing a book about martyrs, perhaps even becoming one himself. When a friend tells him about an artist in New York City who is dying of cancer and doing so as part of a museum installation during which she chats with museum goers individually about death and dying, he travels there from Indiana with his best friend, Zee. What he learns when he meets her and then afterward shakes him to the core. Some readers will find the novel's jumps from one character to another and into different time periods and places annoying, but I liked those and found that they allowed for reflection and further character development as well as back story. A straightforward narrative wouldn't have done justice to the book's topic. The poetry, hallucinations, and snippets of reports about the investigation into the shooting of an Iranian passenger plane by the U.S. all add layers to the main story and give it depth and some historical context. As others have said, the writing is moving, funny, introspective, and intense. The multilayered characters and their stories will stay with readers for quite some time. As I finished the book and considered its merits, I reminded myself that life often is short, and it is important to savor all the sweetness, including strawberries and ice cream, that it has to offer, and try to extend that sweetness to others. Ultimately, maybe that's the point. ...more
Beginning in March 1992, this middle-grade novel traces the experiences of fifth grader Kenan Trebincevic (the author) and his family as their homelanBeginning in March 1992, this middle-grade novel traces the experiences of fifth grader Kenan Trebincevic (the author) and his family as their homeland is torn apart by war. Suddenly, as tensions rise in his once-friendly neighborhood of Brcko, Bosnia, Kenan's carefree days of playing soccer, hanging out with his friends, and trying to impress his teachers, come to an end. Neighbors turn against neighbors, and the young Muslim boy's family isn't sure who they can trust. As slurs turn into more explosive forms of violence, including bombs exploding and street fighting, Kenan's family is no longer safe in venturing outside their house. In fact, they face danger even on a trip to the well for water or to a store for food. They are essentially trapped inside for months before making a daring bus trip out of the country across the Serbian-Hungarian border and into Austria. On page 150, Kenan even remarks that he is unaccustomed to electricity, with his eyes not having been exposed to electric light for ten months. They stay with family members and generous community members for a while, but life isn't easy. From there, the family eventually moves to Connecticut where several kind-hearted Christians try to make them feel welcome. In the United States, Kenan realizes that there are many individuals who are ready to help his family but others who take advantage of them. For him, though, soccer remains a passion and a way to make friends. This detailed, personal perspective on the war in Bosnia will open eyes and hearts, perhaps prompting readers to pay a little more attention to world events rather than focusing only on domestic issues. Perhaps, too, it will evoke empathy for individuals like Kenan and his family whose lives were turned upside down by events far beyond their control. Clearly, Kenan's family would have been perfectly content to remain in Bosnia had the war not made that impossible. The toll all this took on his parents is described in vivid detail as well. Add this one to a collection of war novels or immigration/refugees stories. ...more
When the war comes to her family's back door, Liesl Wolf and her family must flee East Prussia. Although no one wants to admit it, the German Army is When the war comes to her family's back door, Liesl Wolf and her family must flee East Prussia. Although no one wants to admit it, the German Army is losing badly, and the Russians are overrunning the territory. Fearing reprisals, they load up a cart with whatever belongings will fit and set off. Loss becomes Liesl's constant companion. Her father was reported missing in actions before the journey, her grandmother and grandfather only travel part of the way before stopping, and then Liesl, her brother Max, and little sister Mia are separated from their mother while trying to cross a frozen waterway. From there, the youngsters are on their own, fending for themselves, sometimes being aided by individuals with kind hearts or those who are trying to profit from others' misfortunes. They are even befriended by some Russian soldiers, prompting Liesl to be surprised that all Russians aren't bad or cruel and that some Germans are just as cruel as she's been led to believe about Russians. When the family is about to be separated even more, Liesl heads to the woods where the children must fend for themselves. Filled with humor, heart, and danger, this middle-grade novel effectively describes what life was like for children like the Wolf family, who lived almost like hungry wolves in the wild, scavenging for food, comfort, and shelter, and almost, almost but not quite, forgetting their human nature. The author captures the innocence of children who are forced to deal with adult problems and grow up far more quickly than they should have to, victims of war that are often overlooked and whose stories have not been told. The story is compelling, and its characters won't be easy to forget. ...more
WOW! This picture book blew me away, pushing against colonialism as it does. I was familiar with the Kohinoor Diamond and knew that it was part of theWOW! This picture book blew me away, pushing against colonialism as it does. I was familiar with the Kohinoor Diamond and knew that it was part of the crown jewels that now belong to the British empire and make their way into the public eye upon occasion. While I'm certainly aware of how jewels and other goods are part of the bounties of war, I'd never really thought much about how this diamond and the other treasures came to London. Accompanied by exquisite, intricately detailed collage illustrations, created by hand and digitally with cut paper and other materials for texture and dimension, the book traces the history of this massive gem, discovered in India, then set in a throne, and becoming an object of desire that inspired greed, violence, and war, passing from one hand to another until the British took it for its queen. While several of the scenes depicting the diamond's owners require some reading between the lines, any unanswered questions or uncertainties are addressed in the back matter, which includes a more extensive detailing of the many hands that claimed this rare prize. Near the end of the book two young brown-skinned youngsters appear, hurt and angry as they gaze at the diamond, now part of a crown in a museum. The book's intensity builds as the author wonders why this diamond still manages to shine despite all that it's been through and then offers reasons. Empowering, eye-opening, passionate, this picture book poses questions about what should happen to treasures such as this one that have been stolen and also offers tips for decolonization. All of the artwork in this book speaks to me, and the endpapers are just as attractive as the rest of the book, which covers territory not frequently addressed in children's books. ...more
Deftly interspersing fairy tales, even a queer ballet, an immigration story, and realistic fiction about a young boy's concerns about coming out to hiDeftly interspersing fairy tales, even a queer ballet, an immigration story, and realistic fiction about a young boy's concerns about coming out to his parents, this graphic novel is simply empowering, beautiful in language, tone, and artwork, and important for its uniqueness. Tien has supportive friends in Claire and Julian, and he even confided in the school librarian when searching unsuccessfully for a word in Vietnamese for being gay, but he hasn't been able to share this part of himself with his parents, Hien and Vinh, who are much more comfortable speaking Vietnamese than English. Partly his hesitancy stems from a fear about how they'll react, how to express himself so that they will understand, but also, from an awareness of how preoccupied both of them are with other matters. Still feeling guilty for leaving home, Hien misses her mother, who is sick, and still in Vietnam while Vinh is almost always working. Each time Tien comes close to talking about being gay, something prevents him from doing so. A teacher notices his behavior and arranges for a talk with a priest and Tien's mother. The parallels between the traditional stories and the ballet and Tien's own life are interesting, and the bond formed between parent and child through reading these stories is a powerful one. By the end of this graphic novel, readers have hope for a fairy tale ending for Tien and others like him. Like other readers, these one captivated me from start to finish, and I'd be hard pressed to choose whether I loved the modern aspects, the historical ones or the fairy tales best. I eagerly anticipate more from this talented creator....more
Set in rural North Carolina in 1939, this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me] follows a likeable protagonist in the form of 12-year-old Cato, who dreams oSet in rural North Carolina in 1939, this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me] follows a likeable protagonist in the form of 12-year-old Cato, who dreams of nothing but baseball. Someday soon he hopes to join his uncle and play for the Kansas City Monarchs, the Negro Baseball League team for which his father, Daddy Mo, played. But there's a dark story behind his father's death, and even though some readers will be surprised to learn that a baseball game between two teams of youngsters, one white and one Black, would cause controversy and hard feelings, such was the harsh realities of that particular time in certain places in the country. As Cato hones his pitching talent, he also witnesses first-hand the cruelty of some of his young neighbors and realizes that there are some white folks who he may have misjudged. While I'm not sure that Luke Blackburn's son would have been as willing to become an ally as he eventually turns out to be, the author depicts several characters in a nuanced way so that they are more sympathetic than they might be otherwise. The strength, resilience, loyalty, and unity of Cato's family and community are highlighted, even while they deal with unspeakable losses and tragedies. Some of the passages, especially the one surrounding Freight Train's treatment of Moses, Hope's little kitten, and the casual way some of the rowdies decide to burn the church and school, are emotionally-riveting but hard to read. The appearance of certain famous ballplayers at Cato's house and a couple of other events seemed too good to be true or over the top, but I still enjoyed the book and its approach to the idea that someone can be a warrior on the mound, fighting for social justice in his/her/thrir own way. Plus, it was neat to see so many of those talented Black baseballers receiving some long overdue recognition here. ...more
This book, based on first-person interviews and archival research, takes readers inside the lives of three generations of ordinary Mississippi citizenThis book, based on first-person interviews and archival research, takes readers inside the lives of three generations of ordinary Mississippi citizens from 1927 to 1968. Much of the story is written in vignettes or monologues that could easily be adapted for classroom or community performance. This technique is particularly effective in elevating the voices of the three characters and allowing readers to put on their shoes for a time so that they can experience vicariously Jim Crow, the injustices of the time period as well as efforts to make a change through voter registration and delegation recognition at two different Democratic Conventions. The author captures these voices beautifully, and even though they are fictional characters, it's easy to see how much of them is based on actual individuals who lived during this time period. There are also songs, folklore, letters, and news reports. The Littles live on a farm in the rural part of the state where Loretta Little, the first character to speak, joins her family members picking cotton and trying to survive as sharecroppers. Roly, the next speaker, keeps the family farm going even when others become jealous and try to destroy what the Littles have amassed. Aggie B., the third speaker, is the child of Roly and Tess Coles, who leaves the town to find a better life somewhere else. Against all the odds, Aggie and 'Retta, who has Multiple Sclerosis, join the fight for civil rights even while being aware of the heavy price that may be exacted on them and others for daring to stand up against an unfair system. Pinkney's words are lyrical, hypnotic, deeply engaging, and empathetic as she tells a story that is often harsh, sometimes joyous but also ultimately hopeful. There are many ways to approach the civil rights movement and the years preceding it, but this one, firmly rooted in family history and the oral tradition, is particularly compelling and essential for anyone trying to understand part of Black history and how our nation reached its current status. The text is ably supported with lovely artwork, created with paint, ink, and Japanese sumi brushes. It will be difficult for readers to finish this book without having the urge to go tell the story to others. ...more
Grace Adams is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. In fact, the past few years haven't been all that great. That hasn't always been thGrace Adams is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. In fact, the past few years haven't been all that great. That hasn't always been the case since she once was a talented linguist, beloved mother, devoted wife, and interesting person. Why, she was even briefly a television personality. But somehow she lost her way, and she has started to feel completely irrelevant. The onset of menopause and her husband Ben and daughter Lotte leaving her have added to her unhappiness and feeling of pointlessness. As the book opens, she's sitting in her car, trapped in traffic, hot, miserable, on her way to her daughter's sixteenth party, to which she has definitely NOT been invited, two lost jobs, when she decides that she's fed up and not going to take crap from anyone, real or imagined. Her first move is to step out of her car, leave it sitting in traffic, and walk to the bakery to pick up the ornate cake she has ordered for her daughter. From there, she wanders about, causing mayhem along her path, trying to find her way back to the life she once had. As she walks, she reflects back upon various significant moments in her life. While much of this was predictable, especially regarding the changes in Lotte and her secret romance, it's also easy to root for Grace and to hope for a happy ending. The author keeps secret until almost the end of the book one of the main reasons for the dissolution of her marriage. (I didn't realize that on the cover Grace has her middle finger raised until I saw other covers online. Mine is concealed by a sticker with a blurb on it. Too bad since that pointed bird being tossed to the world speaks volumes about how she feels on this particular day.)...more
While I can see this book's value since it covers territory about which most youngsters--not to mention older readers--won't know very much [the SpaniWhile I can see this book's value since it covers territory about which most youngsters--not to mention older readers--won't know very much [the Spanish Civil War], it left me wanting more. I appreciated how the story is told from the point of view of two siblings, one seven and one nine, living in Spain when Franco came into power in 1936, and anyone who opposed him was in danger, the narrative seems rather detached and didn't have the emotional impact that might be expected. There are passages about being hungry, having to be secretive, and worrying about their father who has fled the country that were interesting but not developed enough for me. And even when the family joins their father in Venezuela, the description is minimal and lacks detail and emotional depth. I wish there had been more explication and exploration of emotions. Perhaps the artwork, created with charcoal, pastel, and colored pencil, some full-page artwork, some double-page spreads, and some spot art, adds much-needed emotional resonance. The idea of being different-on the "wrong" side politically in this case is an important consideration, especially in today's charged political climate, and might have been developed further. I'm not sure how many fourth, fifth, or sixth graders will be enticed by this one....more
Set in Brooklyn in the early 1980s, this novel in verse features two likeable characters in JJ Pankowski, who loves punk, especially the Clash, and PiSet in Brooklyn in the early 1980s, this novel in verse features two likeable characters in JJ Pankowski, who loves punk, especially the Clash, and Pierre (Pie) Velez, a budding artist and tagger who wants to follow in the footsteps of Jean-Michel Basquiat. JJ has just moved back to Brooklyn to stay with his grandmother after his father, who immigrated from Poland, lost his job at JFK Airport. He tries to fly beneath the radar since school isn't his thing; in fact, he's so silent that his teachers report him as being absent. Pie, whose mother is from Puerto Rico, is smart, ambitious, and keenly aware of the different ways whites and those with black or brown skin are treated. He sees injustice all around him, at school, in the streets, and in his own country. Both middle-graders regard music and art respectively as ways to escape their harsh realities and express themselves. In JJ's case, his family is struggling economically, and his father is a racist. In Pie's case, his beloved mother is mentally ill, vacillating from periods of lucidity and times when she becomes quite confused and wanders the street. For some reason, Pie befriends JJ, who is being bullied in the cafeteria, and the two of them teach each other about their passions--art and music. An incident with police officers causes a rift between the boys since Pie is treated quite differently than JJ is, causing Pie to question their friendship since JJ doesn't speak up for him. Although the ending is a bit rushed and there weren't many examples of JJ's pervasive developmental disorder that would put him on the autism spectrum today, this book offers a great starting point for conversations about racism, class differences, and self-expression. Some readers will be disappointed that it doesn't have a particularly happy ending, but the authors' choice about how to conclude the story seems realistic to me. I loved the cultural references, including a nod to Robert Cormier's classic The Chocolate War, which JJ has read and considers as he contemplates whether and how he might dare to disturb the universe, along with others who are like-minded....more
For young boys and girls, especially boys, with brown or black skin, arguably nothing could be more important than The Talk when their parents, caregiFor young boys and girls, especially boys, with brown or black skin, arguably nothing could be more important than The Talk when their parents, caregivers or siblings must warn them against the racism and judgment lurking in the world as well as providing rules about behavior in certain spaces. Jay, a Black youngster who narrates the story and directly addresses readers, childhood and growing up are cherished times for hanging out with friends, being goofy, and hoping to grow taller. The author has captured the voice of a young boy perfectly with little asides about how he actually likes when his grandmother pinches his cheeks. The soft colors in the digital artwork depict Jay's community and the passage of time while his mother periodically measures his height, knowing that the time is drawing nigh when The Talk will be necessary in order to keep him safe. Observant readers will note that Jay and his friends have dreams, his parents and grandfather are supportive, and even as the youngsters are playing or Jay and his mother are shopping, there are those in the background or foreground who look on them with suspicion. Although Jay has already been warned not to congregate in groups of four or more and heard his father's advice about how to behave if a police officer stops him while driving, he has no idea just how perilous simple actions may be for someone like him. The content of The Talk is not included verbatim here; instead, a double-page spread filled with dark, ominous shapes and scenarios effectively illustrates what they most likely said. The last pages of the book are powerful. Jay expresses a desire to "just be...us" (unpaged) and to go about their days without having to worry about being singled out for the wrong reasons, perhaps becoming the victims of violence. While there are those who may regard this book and topic as too bleak or depressing, unfortunately, it's an essential conversation that might save lives. It's also worth pointing out that the book ends on a positive note with Jay surrounded by his family's embrace, having been assured that he is not to blame for any of this or how he may be treated in the future. I'm not alone in looking forward to the day when this book will seem outdated and these conversations no longer necessary....more
This engaging and accessible science fiction novel focuses on Aria, a girl who was reared on Planet Terros where there is no longer any of the problemThis engaging and accessible science fiction novel focuses on Aria, a girl who was reared on Planet Terros where there is no longer any of the problems that plague Earth, which is regarded as a Shadow Planet, filled with violence and humans who lack emotion or reason. She and her father are sent to Earth for a secret mission, but once she learns that they are supposed to release a virus that will strike down its inhabitants, Aria becomes concerned since she also falls ill. As various individuals, including Megan, a teen neighbor, reach out to help, she realizes that nothing she has been taught about the planet and Earthlings is true. This prompts her to question other aspects of what she has believed to be true. This short, fast read is a good introduction to science fiction for readers who aren't familiar with the genre or who like their sci fi without too much technological jargon. Aria is likeable and impressionable, and it's interesting to follow her growth and change in mindset....more
Seventh grader Eli Adams and his father are still processing the death of Renee, Eli's mother, and trying to make life in New York City work. The famiSeventh grader Eli Adams and his father are still processing the death of Renee, Eli's mother, and trying to make life in New York City work. The family had moved there from Minnesota for her new taste kitchen job, but she died during the pandemic. When Eli stumbles on some of her cooking videos, he decides to learn how to cook, partly to ease his boredom with his father's restrictions and fears but also partly to honor a piece of his mother and stay connected. As he hones his skills, starting simply with eggs over easy, and building up to more complicated recipes, Eli gains confidence, starts to heal, and begins falling in love with the city while appreciating what it has to offer as well as developing a crush on the grandson of a neighbor. With recipes, plenty of mistakes, and some truly messy moments, this story [3.5 for me] is brimming with humor, pain, and healing and more than its share of tenderness and queer joy. Overall, it's clear that Eli, a budding computer coder, is egg-ccellent, and the book's title quite clever. I have to say that I'd find it quite frustrating to have to go out constantly for ingredients for whatever I was planning to cook as was the case with Eli and his father. Keep those shelves and refrigerators stocked. ...more
Having read a book for younger readers and the Netflix documentary about the Clotilda and Africatown, I wanted to learn more. A little bit of researchHaving read a book for younger readers and the Netflix documentary about the Clotilda and Africatown, I wanted to learn more. A little bit of research led me to this well-written and well-researched book. The author painstakingly and with empathy takes readers back in time right before the Civil War when Timothy Meaher, a wealthy Alabama ship captain, makes a bet that he can smuggle into the country enslaved individuals from Africa. Despite the nation's prohibition against the Atlantic slave trade, he wins the bet after hiring William Foster to helm the ship, the Clotilda, and arranges for it to be sunk in order to hide the evidence of its voyage and purpose. He describes the horrors of being kidnapped, held captive, and sold by the rulers of Benin as well as the long, lonely voyage across the sea to Mobile and surrounding points. Drawing heavily on ethnographer Zora Neale Hurston's interviews with Cudjo Lewis, one of the 110 enslaved individuals from Yoruba, he discusses the five years of enslavement these men, women, and children endured, and then, how desperately they sought a way home after the war ended and they were emancipated. But freedom didn't necessarily turn out to be a blessing since they no longer had homes or jobs and lacked the means to return to their homeland. When Meaher rebuffed efforts to persuade him to donate some land to these formerly enslaved individuals, they worked together at various tasks in order to buy land outright, land whose dwellings came together to be known as Africatown with its own justice system, society, and leaders. The author follows the growth and then the demise of the area, citing social issues, drugs, poverty, and the incursion of industries that present environmental dangers to the area and its citizens, risks that seem to be ignored by those in power. When the author becomes determined to find the Clotilda, an important part of history and an artifact proving that this actually happened, it becomes the centerpiece of an ambitious project to revitalize Africatown, possibly healing wounds and making a space where the stories of those who arrived on the Clotilda can be heard. Amazingly, the Clotilda is "the only ship ever found that brought enslaved Africans to America" (p. 221), making its find particularly important. How the small band of individuals who founded Africatown and their descendants survived on their own terms with parts of their language and culture intact is noteworthy. The text held my interest all the way through, and it was clear just how much all of this meant to the author, himself an environmental journalist. ...more
This unique memoir--3.5, maybe even 3.75 for me!--allows the author to channel the voice of her beloved grandmother, Bobby Bell, after her death at 90This unique memoir--3.5, maybe even 3.75 for me!--allows the author to channel the voice of her beloved grandmother, Bobby Bell, after her death at 90. This woman must surely have been a force of nature and led a fascinating life. The two-grandmother and granddaughter--were particularly close, and Bobby shared many of her family history and some secrets with the girl. They had special lunches, went to plays, and exchanged phone calls or left voicemails. Often, the older woman doled out advice and admonitions, but always with so much love. Readers are treated to stories about the author's mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who immigrated to the United States from Russia. The text includes actual voicemails and exchanges, and even imagines what Bobby would be thinking and feeling from the grave. Opinionated, probably ahead of her time, this woman had a great sense of humor and a unique ability to tell stories, something her granddaughter seems to have inherited. By the time the book ends, readers will miss Bobby and wish that they, too, had been able to share a meal or an afternoon with this remarkable woman. Somehow, against the odds, the author has captured her personality and way of speaking and behaving remarkably well, through fiction and nonfiction. There will be many Jewish readers who will recognize their own grandmother in Bobby while others of us will find ourselves plumbing our memories, scrapbooks, and photo albums to recollect life with our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers, if they were still in our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this humorous, honest, heartfelt tribute. ...more
There's been a recent spate of graphic memoirs for young readers and teens published, but this one stands out among them. It's easy to see why it has There's been a recent spate of graphic memoirs for young readers and teens published, but this one stands out among them. It's easy to see why it has landed on so many "Best" lists for 2024, including the Pura Belpre and the Notable Books for a Global Society. Not only is the story original what with its narrator, Pedro/Peter Martin, off on a 2,000 mile journey from California to Pegueros, Mexico, in a Winnebago while also trying to figure out his identity and where he fits in, but it offers a glimpse into the dynamics in a large family. Pedro is one of nine children, and one of the youngest. He knows very little about his Mexican culture, and this road trip will afford him and his siblings the chance to immerse themselves in the food, language, traditions, and daily life of their parents' homeland as they travel south of the border to bring back their grandfather. There is so much humor in the storyline, supported by colorful images and oddities such as the Little Peepee Man purchased while in Mexico, the pranks and mishaps along the way, including an incident at the border that results in their musical choices being limited to one annoying song. Even the preparation of the parents--shopping for new clothes and supplies at Kmart, stocking up on bananas and Spam for the trip--is relatable but also humorous. In this period of Star Wars and superhero popularity [late 1970s] Pedro and some of the younger siblings imagine that their grandfather is/was some sort of superhero, certainly one that is larger than life. And in many ways he is. But he's also human, emotionally fragile, elderly, burdened by time and loss, and not particularly talkative. There's so much to love in this layered, culturally rich blend of family history, culture, and a long road trip. Even crossing the border is fraught with worry but also some humor, and the fact that the travelers are split into two vehicles--a truck driven by the older siblings and that Winnebago--there's even a diagram of its various compartments--adds to the story's tension and funny moments as they travel. Somehow, even the most surprising moments--Pedro's attempts to help a wounded deer on the way home--are learning opportunities with some surprising outcomes and painful lessons. This one is a must-read....more